Great Slave Animal Hospital is cautioning dog owners of multiple cases of THC toxicity in the Parker Park area.

In an email to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, the veterinary service explained the danger involved. A spokesperson noted that Parker Park is an on-leash area for dogs and not listed as a dog park, but people might not always follow those rules. 

"We suspect that sometimes later in the evening, dogs are allowed to run off-leash when there are not many people present," the hospital's statement read. It adds that dogs, with their very keen noses, can find items people don't often see. That could include a roach — the remains of a cannabis after someone's smoked most of it.

"The resin that’s left in the butt of the joint is highly concentrated THC, often leading to toxicity symptoms," the hospital cautioned. 

In a follow-up email, the veterinary clinic noted it cannot confirm if any dogs have eaten a roach.

"It is our assumption that this is one way they could come across it more readily," Great Slave Animal Hospital (GSAH) stated.

All patients have fully recovered without issue, according to the vet clinic.

"For THC toxicity often supportive care is given. Depending on the severity of toxicity, we will sometimes perform a general panel of bloodwork and intravenous fluids to flush out the system," the animal hospital stated. "Typically, most patients simply require low stimulus and time for the effects to wear off."

The pet clinic called for more clean, off-leash areas for dogs. It added that owners should be cautious walking their dogs, particularly off-leash, and people should be using marijuana responsibly — not discarding their butts in public places frequented by pets and children.

Kerry Thistle, director of economic opportunities and investment with the city, acknowledged it is aware of the hospital's warning.

"Owners are encouraged to follow the advice of GSAH and advised to leash their dogs as required by bylaw to reduce the chances of injury," said Thistle. 

She added that the city encourages residents to report any violations to the city. 

"Activities of a criminal nature should be reported to the RCMP for investigation," said Thistle.